Allegoro, a smooth, lightweight, multi-ply summer yarn is 75% certified organic cotton and 25% conventional linen. Soft, buoyant cotton fiber pairs beautifully with linen’s long, strong fibers. We chose this particular blend and its structure for several reasons. First, we wanted cotton from organically grown plants. (We’ll talk more about ‘certified organic’ in upcoming web letters.) Second, because the linen component was still identifiable in the yarn. Linen is a crisp, somewhat coarse fiber that softens over time and washing. Too many cotton/linen blends treat the rustic qualities of linen as negatives and work hard to obscure them in a ‘soft’ yarn. I like Allegoro’s pleasantly crisp hand that distinguishes it from cotton and prevents it from being too cushy. Instead, the long strong linen fibers contribute to Allegoro’s great stitch-pattern definition and a beautiful even Stockinette. And finally, we chose Allegoro because unlike many multi-ply cotton yarns, Allegoro’s plies are cabled and won’t separate or split while knitting.

Allegoro is great for transitional garments—little cardigans and tops, and if you’re inclined to make something outright summery like a tank top or camisole, Allegoro will keep you cool and comfortable—in the knitting and the wearing. It comes in 10 soft colors.